Polo Shirts News

Do Clothes (Really) Reflect Character?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:54:12 +0100

Here�s an interesting question: Do clothes reflect your character? Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner thinks they do according to her article posted on Express.co.uk (23 Apr 2012). When you reach for a baggy plain t-shirt that�s 2 sizes too big, there�s a good chance you�re embarrassed about the shape or size of your body and are trying to hide it. On the other hand, someone wearing clothes that are too tight may indicate a person trying to look younger than chronological age.

One of the nice features of t-shirts and sweatshirts is that they look good on men and women of every age and size. Baggy clothes are nice for a lazy Sunday afternoon on the couch or when exercising, but clothes should fit nicely. According to Dr. Baumgartner, the way you dress and the type of clothing chosen may indicate certain qualities about you that may or may not be desirable.

For example, someone who must dress ultra-conservatively for work and then does the same when not working may be stuck in a rut. A young adult who chooses clothes an older person normally wears may indicate dissatisfaction with age. On the other hand, there are people who will only wear designer clothes mostly to show off.

If you find yourself always reaching for the same red polo shirts day after day, it may be time to re-assess your wardrobe choices. You can dress stylishly without spending a lot of money. You can also wear different styles and colors even if you prefer t-shirts and polo shirts.

In general, Dr. Baumgartner advises sizing clothes to fit the largest part of the body and then blend the rest of the outfit. In addition, it�s good to add some color and variety. Accessorizing is a great way to liven up a plain t-shirt and show some style. Check out your clothes and give them a critical eye. It just may be time to buy some new t-shirts, sweaters and sweatshirts that fit right.

� Image by Joerg Rudloff, www.sxc.hu/

Printed T-Shirts Accompany Scholarships

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:10:17 +0100

Printed t-shirts make great promotional clothing. It seems they also make ideal congratulatory items too. At least that�s what the universities seem to believe. They are handing vetted students congratulatory t-shirts and scholarship checks as rewards for choosing particular higher education schools.

York University is a good example. The school recruiter personally drove to a high school to visit a senior year student. The purpose was to convince a high achieving student to attend York University after graduation. The recruiter made a lot of commitments to the student, including residence dorm of choice and business cards giving the student access to university officials. The student, Isabel Ng-Lai, also got a brand new sweatshirt printed with York.

Universities are actively competing for the best and brightest students. It�s a highly competitive environment with many students choosing to attend community colleges to save money. It�s all part of the effort to build a strong brand so that quality students choose their schools when it�s time to apply for acceptance. The personal touch as evidenced by personal recruiter visits is just one way to provide customized personal service.

Being handed college promotional clothing by a recruiter is a �big deal� for a high school student. It feels like being inducted into a personal club.

The intense competition to attract the best students is expected to continue. In fact, the efforts to attract the best students are getting more intense all the time. Recruits are being promised mentoring, networking opportunities and specialized counseling. Of course, another reason for the promise is due to the cost of higher education. For the money, education is always a bargain but students are going deep in debt to earn those college degrees. It seems only natural for them to negotiate for the most benefits possible.

� Image by Alexander Sperl, www.sxc.hu/

Cool or Warm Weather Perfect for Sweaters

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:22:33 +0100

One big surprise on summer 2012 runways was sweaters. Who wears sweaters in the summer? Designers and manufacturers hope lots of women will.

The sweaters for summer made from lightweight cotton fibers. They are thin, not the thick weaves you may be used to for winter. And, the sweaters for summer have new and interesting silhouettes.

Customers will see a wide array of sweaters in stores this upcoming season; some retailers are already putting out their summer stock. The sweaters for summer are bold and vivid. Bright, hot tropical colors such as pink, orange, yellow, and green are available along with ocean blues, black, and the standard summer color � white.

Stores are also stocking a variety of styles. The short sleeved bolero silhouette is one of the most popular. Designed to be worn over cotton tanks or tees, these sweaters are great mix and match pieces.

Short sleeved sweaters with hoods and zip fronts are reminiscent of the hot selling hoodies from fall and winter. And three � quarter length sleeves are showing up on lightweight cardigans.

All of the sweaters for summer 2012 are being paired with cotton tops. These sweaters are constructed to be worn over a simple form fitting cotton t-shirt or tank top. And don�t be afraid to mix it up by choosing wild and wacky color combinations. Designers showed yellow sweaters paired with orange tees, hot pink bolero sweaters paired with lime green tanks, and more interesting and unusual combinations.

Why sweaters for the summer season? Even in summer you will still have a few cool evenings. Sweaters are great for outdoor evening events. They are perfect for air conditioned indoor spaces and they can be worn from early spring to late fall.

Lightweight cotton ensures these sweaters are the perfect weight for summer. They add a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe. Grab a few sweaters to give your summer clothes some eye-catching pop.

Celebrate the Man in Your Life Year Round by Giving T-Shirts!

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:45:41 +0100

Just around the corner there is a holiday called Father�s Day about to happen, and it�s celebrated every June. It�s a day to honor the man who is a father, foster dad, adopted dad, stepdad or any other kind of dad. There are all kinds of dads around today but they all have one thing in common � they love their children. On Father�s Day, millions of men receive gifts like polo shirts, ties and socks from their kids. T-shirts make popular gifts too with many of them printed with a dad�s favorite sport or team. Gifts don�t have to be expensive to be appreciated and that�s why high quality inexpensive clothing works so well.

In today�s economy, people are trying to manage tight budgets which doesn�t leave a lot of room for gift giving. You can�t go wrong by giving a t-shirt or polo-shirt because they are practical yet stylish. You can match the clothing to the dad too by giving a nice conservative shirt to a conservative dad or a brightly colored polo shirt to the dad who likes to make a fashion statement. For sports buffs, you can give a printed t-shirt with a picture of his favorite hobby. In other words, you can find something for everyone.

The best news is that a gift of tees won�t ruin your budget. Your dad feels appreciated on Father�s Day and your budget remains intact. But if you want to really spoil your father, roll up the t-shirt and add it to a basket filled with his favorite foods or other items. A little imagination can go a long way! The important thing is to not forget to tell your Father that you love him.

� Image by Theophine Sebastian, www.sxc.hu/

Polo Shirt Logos Should be Well Placed

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:28:36 +0100

Where should you place your logo on a promotional polo for optimum visibility? Is a consumer apt to wear a polo shirt with a small logo as opposed to a large logo? Have you ever received a great looking shirt from a business only to find the logo falls in the wrong place once you actually wear the shirt?

Once the decision to brand and market using promotional clothing is reached it is time for the real work to begin. Your promotional shirt will represent your business and it must look exceptional � no off center logos, no bleeding colors. Matching the right logo to the right shirt is very important. You will need to consider the latest high tech fabrics, the season�s fashionable colors, and new ways of applying logos to polo shirts.

Promotional experts report the two biggest mistakes business owners make is choosing cheap shirts that send the wrong message to potential clients and customers and ordering stock in only men�s sizes. The men�s small is not cut for the female body; the neck is too wide and will look droopy. Both of these mistakes should be avoided in order to send the right message.

The trendy fabrics right now for polo shirts are moisture wicking materials and other �high performance� textiles. These fabrics have required new methods of logo application. New dyes are available that work exceptionally well with high tech fabrics.

There are two basic options for polo shirt logos: embroidery and appliqu�. When using a larger logo it is preferable to go with embroidery. However, when logos are small it becomes hard to reproduce them accurately with embroidered stitches. Appliqu�s are best for small logos. To create an appliqu� colorful fabric is inserted and sewn into the logo.

Size, placement, and color all combine to make the polo shirt visually appealing. The size of the logo can vary from large to small. A large logo works well for large events. For example, trade shows, sports events, and men�s shirts frequently benefit from larger logos. Small, quarter size logos are perfect for women�s shirts, gift shirts, give-aways, and uniforms.

The most popular place to insert a logo on a cotton polo shirt is the left breast. Business owners must determine the visibility of the logo when considering placement. In addition to the left breast, logos can be placed on the left or right sleeve, on the left or right collar, and on the back of the polo shirt.

When choosing polo shirts with a logo for corporate wear it is important to go with neutral or deep colors. These tones will fit in with the corporate office and keep a professional atmosphere. Bright, vivacious colors that attract attention are perfect for polo shirts used for give- aways or for employees on a sales floor.

� Image by Banjo Ari, www.sxc.hu/

The Thrifty Appreciate T-Shirts

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:57:55 +0100

Thrifty is in! T-shirts are taking on a new importance among young fashion fans. That�s because they are now being used to make outfits that look modern, trendy and upscale. Young people are turning more and more to fancier dress and avoiding the grunge look that was so popular for while.

Casual dress in the office and at dressy affairs has been in vogue for many years. Now the people over 20 years old are rebelling against the dress-down look and are dressing up instead. But that does not mean they are wearing stodgy looking outfits. Quite the opposite is true and that�s where clothing like plain t-shirts enters the picture. The idea of fancy clothing for the twenty-something is a nice t-shirt or tank top, a blazer, and jeans with fancy shoes. Or the outfit could be one of the colored sweaters over a sequined cocktail dress. In other words, the new dress up outfits are a mix of dress up and dress down.

The great advantage of these kinds of outfits is they can be worn to a variety of occasions from the office party to a New Year�s Eve gala. And that is probably one of the fascinating features of the young generation of today. Having already endured an economic downturn in their young lives, they have learned much more about economizing and being thrifty than the previous generation.

� Image by Billy Alexander, www.sxc.hu/

Dogs on Tees and Sweatshirts? Animal Lovers Only!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:01:38 +0100

Dog lovers are notorious for wearing dog themed jewelry, carrying pictures of their pets, and buying miniatures of their dog breed. There are ecstatically glued to their tellies when it�s time for the Westminster and Crufts dog shows . When Malachy the Pekingese won Best of Show at Westminster and Lhasa Apso Elizabeth won Best of Show at Crufts, dog lovers around the world cooed with delight.

Dog fans don�t just wear dog themed bracelets and use dog themed mats in their autos and trucks. They wear their dog photos on clothing too. A dog owner wants to inspire others to ask about their favorite pets, so they gleefully put have their pet pictures and names added to t-shirts and sweatshirts. Nothing makes a dog lover happier than for someone to ask, �Is that your dog?� That�s all the dog lover needs to be off and running with explanations about breed, age, habits and characteristics.

T-shirts and sweatshirts printed with dog photos serve other purposes too. They let fellow dog lovers know the owners have something in common when running across each other at the beach or park. The customized apparel also promotes specific dog breeds. Clothing with dog photos make great souvenirs of show events or promote kennel clubs.

In other words, there�s plenty of reasons for dog lovers to wear promotional clothing. Most of all though, the printed tees simply reflect how much the dog lover really loves the dog. It doesn�t matter if anyone else does. They will happily wear their tees and sweatshirts with dog photos anyway and just feel sorry for anyone who doesn�t appreciate the joy of owning a dog. Dog-less people do need to understand one thing though. Dog lovers form an exclusive club and cat lovers need not apply.

� Image by Jamie Woods, www.sxc.hu/

T-Shirts Perfect for Toddlers

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 05:03:24 +0100

Some parents just don�t know when to stop when it comes to buying clothes for their infants and toddlers. They don�t know when to stop paying high prices either. Children are perfectly happy wearing cheap t-shirts and shorts, but you can�t tell some mothers that is true. There�s a new phenomenon happening among more affluent mothers. They are buying lavish expensive designer clothes for toddlers and young children. There�s even a name for it now � the Suri Effect.

This name was derived from the name of the 5 year old daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Suri Cruise loves to wear designer clothes and had her first pair of Marc Jacobs high-heels made just for her when she was 4 years old. Suri Cruise has an enormous wardrobe that would rival the wardrobe of wealthy women addicted to designer clothes. This fashion trend has crossed the ocean from the USA with British mums spending large amounts of money on wardrobes for their toddlers too.

From custom made Dior t-shirts to designer dresses, child fashion icons are being spotted. The amount that British parents spend on their child�s clothing has now risen to �700 each year. The average number of dresses being purchased each year for little girls is now seven. Boys are getting new t-shirts in great quantity � ten new ones every year in addition to five new jeans.

Some people believe that dressing little girls like adult women is not wise. But the mothers of many of these children insist no one is forcing fashion on the children. Some youngsters simply like clothes at a young age and enjoy shopping. In fact, mothers of fashion conscious children believe that encouraging children to express themselves through clothes choices develops individuality and creativity. Some people also believe it teaches children to want to succeed in life.

There are always going to be two very different opinions about dressing children in high priced fashions. But for those who want their children to be fashionable without the expense, there are plenty of reasonably priced clothes for sale. Chances are no one will know the difference.

� Image by (Name Hidden), www.sxc.hu/

T-Shirts Get Ready for Fall Already

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:11:29 +0100

Summer is almost here but retailers are already stocking their shelves for fall of 2012. Buyers are reporting the trend is once again mixable cotton separates for the fall season. They can be easily incorporated into an already existing wardrobe.

Mix and match wear, such as cotton sweaters and t-shirts, will work well throughout the season. They can be layered and worn from the dog days of August and through the cold months of November. Different cotton weaves and blends give texture variety and weight variability to the garments.

One of the most popular silhouettes for fall is the full- length sleeve cotton sweater over the basic short sleeve tee. These pieces are being sold individually and can pair with each other or with clothing already in the customer�s wardrobe.

Color choices also lend themselves to mixing and matching. Earth tones and neutrals are the most popular with jewel tones incorporated to add pop. For example, one major department store is already showing mannequins in their windows wearing cool, misty gray cotton sweaters with matching vibrant purple or ruby cotton tees to catch your eye. These subdued colors fit a recessionary time perfectly.

Why the big focus on mix and match cotton wear for fall? Fashion industry experts say the trend is a carry-over from summer when mix and match pieces sold well in the depressed economy. Stores try to offer customers something that will blend with an existing wardrobe. Most people like to update their clothes from season to season. By offering high quality cotton options at affordable prices Miller is able to provide his customers with new selections for their wardrobes.

Miller�s comments bring up another point to consider in today�s economy. Consumers are looking for durable clothing. They want to be able to care for their clothing at home and trust it will not become washed out or frayed after a few washings. Cotton sweaters, cotton tees, and other cotton garments give customers an exceptional product and great fashion.

Sweatshirts with Hoods Equals Hoodies

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:01:41 +0100

The hottest trend in cotton clothing is the hoodies which is merely a sweatshirt with a hood. Retailers stocked up on hoodies for fall and winter after seeing huge sales during the last two seasons, and now they are stocked up for spring and summer. The advantage of hoodies and sweatshirts is that they can be worn year round! Hoodies are being worn by people of all ages too. Once the clothing for the young or people involved in sports, they are now worn by children and senior citizens alike.

Originally designed for laborers in the early 1900�s, hoodies have caught on. A huge factor in their instant popularity seems to be Hollywood. Hoodies are popping up in movies and are being worn by actors and musicians.

Why are hoodies, or sweatshirts with hoods, so popular with everyone? Fashion trends usually focus on one age group or one gender. Hoodies have surprised retailers by becoming fashionable for children, men and women of all ages and social classes. They are durable, inexpensive, come in many different designs, and are easy to find online. They wash well too.

The basic hoodie is made from 100 percent cotton, usually has large front pockets, (or a single front pocket), always has a hood, and a drawstring that is used to adjust the size and fit of the hood. Some styles have a zippered front and others are pull-overs.

The history of the hoodie is very interesting. While it was originally designed to be a durable garment for hard laborers the hoodie shot to fashion fame in the 1970�s when worn by Sylvester Stallone in the movie Rocky. Everyone is familiar with the scene of him sweating after a hard workout and wearing his hoodie to keep his muscles warm.

The hoodie went through a period of time during the �90s when it was considered unfashionable by the general public because street gangs and criminals had adopted it as a �uniform�. The hood could be placed over the head to hide facial features from security cameras.

Skateboarders, skiers, and Hollywood can be credited with the hoodies new mainstream marketability. Hoodies are a popular college wear, athletic wear, and street wear. They are worn as protection against the cold and purely for fashion.

Hoodies are now being produced with blend of fibers, 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester. This is thought to increase the wear--ability, wash-ability, and durability of the garment.

Small Businesses Buy Plain T-Shirts and Add Clipart Designs

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:57:15 +0100

For small apparel printing businesses, investing in clipart software is a great way to offer more choices to customers without having to charge them extra for the design. Many people who own printing businesses are not artists, so this software is a great way to create hundreds of design possibilities. Clipart programs are a collection of artwork that can be used on clothing and accessories because the artists have granted permission. Included in the software are CD�s or downloadable programs that contain images and many offer downloadable stock books. This makes it easy for customers to see what they are ordering. The business can buy wholesale t-shirts for printing and resale.

Customers who place an order for t-shirts, jackets, uniforms, polo shirts, or other items, will feel better about choosing an image they can see is available in stock instead of having to describe it. Clipart programs can be used on PC or Mac platforms and are compatible on Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, and Adobe Photoshop. Once a design has been chosen, it can be uploaded from the CD or added from a downloaded program onto the business computer. For most programs, looking up the image number in the stock book is necessary when trying to locate it. Additional accents such as bold lettering, colors, fonts, and lines can be added to t-dhirts and other items.

While there are drawbacks to using clipart such as editing lines that don�t perfectly connect, over designing, and being able to promise originality on Polo Shirts and other items, many businesses use this technology and say their customers have been pleased with the results. While it is important to create what the customer wants, it is easy to go overboard. Business owners should experiment with an image until they get it right, but many times, adding too many accents can ruin a really good design.

� Michal Zacharzewski, www.sxc.hu

Brand Names Embrace Sustainable Fashion

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:29:19 +0100

UK retailers are interested in finding ways to develop sustainable fashion without having to significantly raise the price of clothing. Though prices of cotton are rising and wage rates are going up, the continuing high unemployment rates and still weak economy means consumers are not willing or able to pay higher clothing prices.

This dilemma is one all offline and online retailers are dealing with and it�s not a simple problem to solve. Sustainable fashion is a concept that most people support but it is a challenging one. The fact is that right now scarce resources are cheaper because there are well developed uses for them, like in the production of synthetics, whereas alternative or organic materials are more expensive because they are more labor intensive to produce. Cotton is a good example. Produced in many developing nations, the weather and the push for fair wages has led to rising crop prices which leads to higher clothing prices.

Businesses are finding innovative ways to keep clothing prices down while moving towards sustainable fashion. For example, Macy�s converted to matte black hangars which are more environmentally friendly than the clear plastic ones they have been using. High priced clothing lines are also getting involved in sustainable fashion and that includes Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci. The parent company of these well-known brands has created a sustainability lab to study new production methods.

When buying online discount priced clothing like sweatshirts or t-shirts, you have plenty of opportunity to buy sustainable fashion right now. You can buy organic tees for example and get plenty of value for your money. As technology advances, this type of fashion will become more and more viable for all types of clothing. Technology is often what enables a company to keep prices low.

� Image by Rei Rei, www.sxc.hu/

Back to the 90�s! Neon on T-Shirts

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:52:54 +0100

Look closely at the designs on tees and you may have a flashback. Don�t worry! It�s only neon reminding you of younger years. Neon colors are back from the past and more popular than ever. Once popular in the 1980s and 1990s, the bright colors fell out favor for a long period of time. Then in 2009, neon colors began to make their way back into the fashion scene. The electrifying colors are now used in clothing fabric and in printed designs.

Originally, neon clothing was boxy and oversized for some reason. Frequently paired with monochrome pants or lycra, the loose fitting clothes wasn�t always flattering. It�s no wonder that neon went out of fashion for a while before making a recent reappearance. However, the neon today isn�t the same as the neon from 20 years ago. The colors have been muted a bit so they aren�t so overwhelming. In addition, neon patterns and designs are more trendy meaning they are more fashionable.

People are sporting neon in a number of ways. Some fashionistas are wearing plain t-shirts in various colors and adding a sassy neon scarf around the neck. Paired with jeans or a skirt, the t-shirt and scarf add just the right amount of color. Neon colors are also showing up in jewelry, hats and caps, belts and shoes.

One of the reasons neon keeps coming back is the fact it enables people to show off their more daring side without going overboard. Neon colors are also cheerful and make perfect summer colors. So don�t worry if you see neon designs on t-shirts. You�re not in a time warp. It�s only the bright colors making a comeback.

� Image by George Bosela, www.sxc.hu/

Polo Shirts Fit Right

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:14:52 +0100

Ever wonder why you wear a size 10 in one brand but a size 6 in a different one? There�s a good reason. The fashion industry really has no standard for sizing clothes despite the use of sizes in labels. When you go from brand to brand, the size may actually not mean much. It�s much easier to buy items like plain t-shirts and loose fitting polo shirts than it is to buy anything with waists like trousers or skirts.

One of the purposes of different sizing practices is to make people feel good about their size and weight. It�s a psychological trick in other words because in theory you feel better about yourself in a size 6 than you do in a size 10. Since the UK population is growing more obese all the time, it�s easier to change out labels than it is to lose weight.

We live in a culture that believes being super thin is beautiful. Since fashion is about beauty, the manufacturers want you to look at their clothes and think of yourself as beautiful.

Now the problem of clothing sizes is getting out of hand. Sizing varies between most brands and there is no consistency. Waistlines are being expanded and quite significantly too. Waists are being expanded by 1 to 5 inches. This practice is called vanity sizing which is an appropriate name.

Thank goodness you can still buy t-shirts and polo shirts without worrying about sizes except in a general sense. You can shop online and know that a medium is a medium and a large is a large. You don�t have to worry about trying to squeeze into a size based on its label rather than its cut. It makes shopping for clothes a whole lot more fun.

� Image by Banjo Ari, sxc.hu/

Printing On Tees is Free Advertising!

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:47:33 +0100

Spending money on promotional t-shirts that no one wears can be very disappointing. How can you ensure that your t-shirts will be the trendy apparel for the upcoming season?

It�s a fantastic feeling when a business owner can convert his promotional tee into a trendy, must-have fashion item. When this happens, the business gets tons of free advertising and instant branding. However, it does not just happen by luck alone. Thought and planning go into the t-shirts that make the biggest splashes.

When Hank McKamera sees blank t-shirts made out of cotton he sees canvasses. It gives him the urge to create something new. McKamera, an art director for a major promotional company, works with clients to design great promotional clothing and specializes in trendy, fashion-forward t-shirts. In am interview he reported that while he worked with numerous clients each account is different.

�Every time you have a logo you must first determine where to place it. And every time it will depend on unique factors: the client, the fabric, the size of the logo, and even the event,� says McKamera.

McKamera first looks at fabric choice when designing a promotional tee. 50/50 cotton/polyester blends are best for heat transfers while high quality, all cotton is necessary for screen-printing. Appliqu�s can be produced on any style of tee but are normally seen in conjunction with inexpensive t-shirts. Embroidery is rarely seen on tees and is more often available on polo shirts.

The logo size varies depending on the purpose of the t-shirt. Tees that will function as corporate wear or will be worn in other professional settings require a small logo. This logo is normally found on the left breast. If more information is needed it can be imprinted on the back of the tee. T-shirts for large events, sales floor staff, and customer give-aways can be large and exciting. Larger logos have the advantage of looking great from many different angles. They can be placed on the front, on the back, and in a modern twist, they can run along the side of the shirt or down the sleeve.(c) Image by Adrain Gtz, www.sxc.hu/

Give Up The Tees You Never Wear for a Good Cause

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:33:09 +0100

We all have clothes in our closets we never wear anymore. They take up space in closets and drawers and are more bothersome than anything else. One of the reasons people hang on to those shirts and href="http://www.polo-shirts.co.uk/T-Shirts">t-shirts and dresses and pants that don�t fit anymore is because they used to fit even if they don�t fit now. They used to fit because weight has either been put on or taken off, but we tend to believe that whatever size we once were is a size that could return at some point in life.

In the UK it�s estimated that about 2 million women have clothes in their closets that represent at least 4 sizes. That�s hard to believe, but it�s true. That�s why Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx decided to partner this year on a campaign called Give Up Clothes For Good. The goal is to convince women to clean out those clothes that don�t fit and donate them to the Cancer Research UK stores.

The bags of clothing will be resold to raise money for cancer research. What some women discover is that the clothes they have been hanging on to are unfashionable, too large or too small, uncomfortable or tiresome. However, those clothes that you don�t wear anymore would be greatly appreciated by someone else. All types of clothing is accepted by the charity stores too. You can donate men�s and women�s suits, sweatshirts, t-shirts, skirts, sweaters and children�s clothing.

One of the unexpected benefits of cleaning out a closet gives you a good feeling. It�s like doing a Spring cleaning and making a resolution to stop collecting anything that has no purpose. It�s also comforting to know that your favorite t-shirt that�s too small is going to a worthy cause. Charity stores want your clothing year round, so you can clean closets any season. The sooner the better though. Those clothes aren�t going anywhere until you get around to cleaning and sorting.

� Image by Brian Zerangue, www.sxc.hu/

Organic Costs More For a Good Reason

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:33:49 +0100

Fashion and textile production has trended towards reducing its environmental footprint, but this comes with a price. It costs more to produce eco-friendly fashion and organic clothing. The question is whether consumers are willing to pay for the extra costs in order to protect the environment.

One of the problems retailers are dealing with is that shoppers don�t understand exactly what they are paying for when buying eco-friendly clothing. Alex Smith is a consultant with the Ethical Fashion Forum. He pointed out that people are more than happy to pay more for clothing and textiles when they know a stated percent of the sales price is going to charity. These same people may not be willing to pay the extra price for organic or eco-fashion white t-shirts only because they don�t understand that the extra money actually represents an investment in a sustainable environment. �Sustainable� is a bit of a vague term and consumers like hard facts.

The facts are that sustainable clothing with a fair trade mark indicates that some amount of the revenue is being returned to the producer. It means a fair wage is being paid. It also means that the clothing was produced using the most environmentally friendly methods to reduce carbon emissions and the use of chemicals.

The market for eco-friendly clothing is mostly in developed markets like the U.S., and western and southern Europe. The market is expected to grow though. This is true for producers also. Places like Brazil and Peru are leaders in the use of natural materials and environmentally friendly dyes.

The key to the growth of sustainable and organic fashions including tees and, polo shirts and sweaters is consumer education. The more people understand the importance of sustainable fashion to global efforts to reduce carbon footprints, the more they will be willing to pay. It�s all for a good cause.

� Image by Jack Arrington, www.sxc.hu/

How to Wear Tees

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 02:52:42 +0100

The rules have certainly changed since t-shirts were only worn as undershirts or by workmen. Today�s tees are meant to be seen. Both men and women can make a true fashion statement with just one t-shirt.

The original white tee is still the most popular t-shirt with men and women. They are great worn alone, under a jacket, or layered. �The basic white t-shirt is a classic in the fashion world,� said Anatole Lund in a FIT interview. �This white tee, it will never go away. Even with all the arty shirts and others the consumers will keep their white t-shirt.�

A newer trend in t-shirts is the graphic shirt. First popularized by rock stars, skaters, and surfers, graphic tees are all the rage with almost every age group. From 5 to 55, graphic tees are showing up everywhere and on everybody.

This coming spring some of the most fashionable tops will be solid bright colored t-shirts. Runways for spring 2012 were full of vibrant colors in delicious hues like fruity watermelon, zesty lime, and tart lemon. These bright and happy colors are also showing up on t-shirts in many stores.

With all of these wonderful choices consumers will have a blast dressy their tees up and down. Bright tees will work well with the other items that are popular for spring 2012. A hot lime tee will look great with a pair of neutral khaki slacks and a cool toned cotton cardigan.

Remember, a t-shirt can make a statement. Don�t think you have to keep your tees hidden � show the world your funky side with a cool graphic tee, your classy side with a simple white tee, and your fun and festive side with a juicy fruity tee. This spring�s tees will allow you to show your personality to the world.

Trends in Sweatshirts

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:51:35 +0100

The hottest trend in cotton clothing is the hoodie. Retailers are stocking up on hoodies for winter and spring after seeing huge sales during the holiday season. Hoodies are being worn by people of all ages too. Once the clothing for the young or sports people, they are now worn by children and senior citizens alike.

Why are hoodies, or sweatshirts with hoods, so popular with everyone? Fashion trends usually focus on one age group or one gender. Hoodies have surprised retailers by becoming fashionable for men and women of all ages and social classes. They are durable, inexpensive, come in many different designs, and are easy to find. They wash well too.

The basic hoodie is made from 100 percent cotton, has large front pockets, (or a single front pocket), a hood, and a drawstring that is used to adjust the size and fit of the hood. Some styles have a zippered front and others are pull-overs.

The history of the hoodie is very interesting. While it was originally designed to be a durable garment for hard laborers the hoodie shot to fashion fame in the 1970�s when worn by Sylvester Stallone in the movie Rocky. Everyone is familiar with the scene of him sweaty after a hard workout and his hoodie on to keep his muscles warm.

The hoodie went through a period of time during the �90s when it was considered unfashionable by the general public because gangs and criminals had adopted it as a �uniform�. The hood could be placed over the head to hide facial features from security cameras.

Skateboarders, skiers, and Hollywood can be credited with the hoodies new mainstream marketability. Hoodies are a popular as college wear, athletic wear, and street wear. They are worn as protection against the cold and purely for fashion.

Hoodies are now being produced with blend of fibers, 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester. This is thought to increase the wear--ability, wash-ability, and durability of the garment.

Colorful Polo Shirts

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:13:23 +0100

White pants are in for spring and summer, and that�s good news for women. The nice feature of white pants is the fact anything will go with them. You could wear a shirt that�s half polka dots and half stripes and it would still look good with the pants even though your fashion style might come into question.

All kidding aside, white pants are so practical because any color will do. You can wear purple tees or yellow polo shirts and look stylish. But there are some must-have items you need if you want your white pants to look absolutely fashionable. For example, you shouldn�t wear all-white shoes with white pants because it will make you look like you�re ready to go to work at the hospital. Instead, you should wear shoes that have color in them. If you do buy white shoes, make sure they are not all-white. They need colorful trim and maybe a cork bottom.

You can also tone down the white pants with jewelry and colored belts. White sweaters with a colored shirt of any kind looks great with white pants. The type of shirt you will wear with your white pants depends on the material the pants are made out of. Linen or summer wool pants are dressier and need a more elegant shirt and sweater. But if the white pants are jeans or khaki then they will go with sweatshirts of any color or classic shirts and t-shirts.

White pants can be so much fun to wear because you can use your imagination and have some fun since any color or print shirt or sweater and any kind of accessory will look great. The pants are a great addition to your wardrobe any way you look at it!

� Image by Banjo Ari, www.sxc.hu/

Northern Lights T-Shirts a Success Story

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:17:17 +0100

Everyday there is proof that t-shirt printing is a good choice for entrepreneurs looking for an inexpensive marketing strategy. Seizing the moment in Ballyliffin, an Irish business man decided that selling printed t-shirts was a good idea because there has been something special going on in his town the last few months. Residents of a West Ireland seaside town have been able to see the beautiful Northern Lights.

Mr. Michael McCauley created the �I�ve seen the Northern Lights� t-shirts for tourists visiting the small town to see the stunning Northern Lights. He didn�t really expect to sell very many, but the shirts have become quite popular much to his surprise. One of the reasons is that no one really expected to see the lights for 3 months in 2012, so the fact they are visible for so long is quite special. In January, February and March they have been viewed by locals and tourists alike in the small town of Ballyliffin.

The shirts were originally designed to be promotional printed t-shirts for Mr. McCauley�s new business he was ready to launch. The business is named Disappear Here Media and is a film production housing company. He really only expected to sell approximately 2 dozen shirts, but has sold hundreds much to his surprise. As long as the Northern Lights can be seen, he plans on selling the shirts.

T-shirts never fail to capture the imagination of their wearers. They make affordable souvenirs and are effective for delivering messages. In the case of Mr. McCauley, he ordered batches of printed t-shirts with a simple slogan and got recognition for his company and his town. Simple t-shirts can make powerful marketing tools.

� Image by(Name Hidden), www.sxc.hu/

Commonwealth Countries Attend Global Natural Fibre Forum

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:28:42 +0100

There were 21 Commonwealth countries recently represented at the Global Natural Fibre Forum. The Forum was held in South Africa this year and had a dual purpose � to showcase new fibres and to discuss the relationship of their production to poverty and the environment. It is believed that increasing production of natural fibres could be an important step towards reducing poverty and environmental damage. Small farmers in rural areas could become main producers of natural fibres.

Most people don�t think about the stories behind the production of fibres in their polo shirts. In countries like South Africa, which is mostly rural, the production of natural fibres plays a critical economic role. You may be surprised to learn that Africa produces almost all of the developing world�s natural fibres according to the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Ransford Smith. The fact is that natural fibre production supports millions of people who rely on agriculture for their means of support.

Events like the Global Natural Fibre Forum are important for sharing technological advances and new methods for developing and producing natural fibres. At the Forum, attendees saw fibre extraction demonstrations and ways fibres can be used across industries. Natural fibres are not just used in the garment industry. They are also used in biofuels, construction materials, packaging, cosmetics, textiles and many others. Attendees included processors, producers, scientists, researchers, farmers and representatives from the many industries that use natural fibres.

Any discussion of natural fibre production will also include discussions on environmentally sound practices. From farming to manufacturing, there is a value proposition at each stage of the supply chain. The goal is to develop an efficient natural fibre industry that creates value each step of the way from farming to final product distribution. So the next time you wear a t-shirt made of all natural fibres, you can congratulate yourself on helping reduce global poverty while protecting the environment.

� Image by Sheldon Kennedy, www.sxc.hu/

Understanding Organic Tees

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 03:17:05 +0100

The fashion industry gets more green everyday. Consumers are wary of the pesticides used in the traditional cotton growing methods and are looking for organic cotton items such as cotton polo shirts and t-shirts. Organic cotton t-shirts are one of the hottest fashion trends for spring.

It is important for consumers to understand what organic cotton is say industry experts. Organic cotton is grown by farmers who are committed to not using harmful chemical pesticides. Organic farmers are also concerned about the health of their land and go to great lengths to make sure the soil is not depleted of essential minerals or eroded.

The organic cotton growing process is beneficial to the environment. By not using harmful chemical pesticides there are no harmful chemicals released into the atmosphere. This is a great improvement in the air quality in and around cotton farms.

Consumers also benefit from organic cotton. Unfortunately the harmful toxins used in traditional cotton growing methods remain in the cotton. They are present in the cotton clothes purchased in stores. These toxins can enter the skin when the clothing is worn. This is especially true of athletic wear as sweat causes the chemicals to be released. Babies, with extremely porous skin, can really be affected by these dangerous chemicals. Organic cotton contains no harmful toxins and is safe to wear.

There is no one organization that oversees the organic clothing industry. Consumers must be aware of what to look for when shopping for organic clothing. The tag should say that the item is 100 percent organic. Some clothing items have a government organic seal on their label. Buyers can also look for a fair trade label to ensure the item of clothing meets ethical as well as health standards.

Organic cotton is more expensive that cotton grown by traditional methods so organic cotton clothing will cost a little more. Consumers can keep an eye out for sales and stock up on organic items at this time. Organic cotton lasts up to 5 times as long as traditionally grown cotton which actually makes it a better and more economical buy.

Organic cotton t-shirts and other organic cotton items are widely available. Many large department stores and small boutiques sell organic items. Organic clothing may also be found at online stores. As the popularity of organic cotton clothing rises buyers can expect to see a wider variety of items on the market.

Mood and T-Shirt Colors

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:57:35 +0100

What if you were told that you could control your mood with an article of clothing? While it may not be exactly that simple, studies are beginning to show that color and the color of your clothing can definitely affect mood and behavior.

The link between mood and color makes sense. People are normally happier and have more energy when it is bright, green, and sunny in the summer and become depressed with dark days, cold weather, and less activity in the winter. The groundbreaking studies concerning color and mood report that by just incorporating one simple piece of clothing in a certain color can totally change the way you see yourself and the way others see you.

So what are some of these exciting emotional effects of color and how can you get them in your wardrobe? The best way to incorporate color into an already existing wardrobe is with a simple tee shirt say fashion experts. cheap t-shirts allow you to buy several inexpensive items of high quality cotton so that you will get different color choices.

Do you want to be more approachable? If so, clear colors and earthy tones are for you. The best options are muted yellows, beiges, and tans. Yellow says a person is friendly and open and has a positive attitude. Beiges and tans equate calm and gentle personalities.

For women who need to take control dark tee shirts are a must. Tee shirts in black, charcoal gray, and navy are true power colors. They can be worn with business suits for a sophisticated look. However, the feeling of power is not tied to the suit and can be felt whenever the tee shirt is worn, even with a pair of jeans.

There are a multitude of moods and color combinations that have been discovered thru the current studies. Attention seeking personalities can usually be found in orange, lime, hot pink, or red and to get your creativity flowing wear purple tee shirts. Furthermore, for success wear tee shirts in �exclusive� colors � salmon, dove gray, burgundy, emerald, and sapphire.

� Image by Martin Orozco, www.sxc.hu/

Avoid the Fakes and Buy T-Shirts From Reputable Company

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:35:10 +0100

Do you know where your t-shirts came from? If you buy from a reputable online retailer, you certainly do know that the t-shirts were made legally and all taxes were paid to the government. However, over half of UK travelers buy counterfeit goods and two-thirds admit they know they are buying fakes. These numbers reflect the results of a study reported on by the Daily Mail Reporter (www.dailymail.co.uk/, 21st July 2011).

British travelers going to countries like Spain, Greece, Turkey, Thailand and China could easily buy fake goods including sunglasses, shirts and watches. Particularly popular are handbags, but anything with a designer label caught the interest of shoppers. Only one-third really believed the counterfeit goods were original products. Usually an exceptionally low price is the first clue the item is a fake.

The online shopping comparison study was completed by Kelkoo. One-third of those surveyed believed it was okay to buy counterfeit goods in other countries. In the UK the importation and possession of counterfeit goods is illegal.

The lure of counterfeit goods is the price, of course. The knock-offs are made so expertly that it�s difficult to determine if any of the items are fakes. Once home, travelers can then impress family and friends by wearing or using products carrying expensive designer names. However, returning to the UK with a suitcase full of counterfeit goods is risky. Customs agents are well versed in counterfeit goods and can spot them when an innocent consumer can�t. Even if travelers are not prosecuted, it�s certainly embarrassing to have your personal items seized.

A much better plan than buying counterfeit is to buy high quality inexpensive products, including clothing, online. Cheap t-shirts and sweatshirts, for example, will give you many months or years of service with an added benefit. You don�t have to worry about getting in trouble with the law!

� Image by Phillip Collier, www.sxc.hu/

Teens, Parents and T-Shirts

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:41:33 +0100

Parents and teens often get into heated discussions about clothes. It is part of the rite of passage for teens to resent whatever their mothers suggest, and that can lead to big squabbles. This is true for both girls and boys too. Girls are exploring their sexuality for the first time and that can lead to inappropriate clothing choices like low cut shirts and too-short skirts. Teenage boys don�t like wearing dress shirts even to church or a family wedding and often resent shopping for clothes.

What�s the answer? Some mothers say the last thing a parent should do is get upset because that leads to the teens digging in their heels. There will probably be very little accomplished in the way of compromise once an argument begins. Power struggles are counter-productive. So what�s a mom to do?

The first step is to find clothes that can serve as a compromise. For example, nice sweaters, dresses with overlays that hide cleavage and shorts or slacks are ideal clothes for young women. Another step you can take to defuse the situation is to let the teen make a clothes list which makes him or her feel like they have some control over their wardrobe. You might be surprised how reasonable your teen is willing to be when not being argumentative. Young men enjoy wearing nice black t-shirts because they are casual and comfortable but also nice looking because black goes with almost anything.

The goal is to compromise on a neutral option. Parents who immediately say things like, �That�s too tight!� when their teenage daughter tries on clothes doesn�t give the teen a chance to make that observation independently. Most people don�t like wearing poorly fitting clothes even if they are teenagers. Parents shopping with teens should also take advantage of the store disinterested third party � the sales woman or man! They are trained in making comments about clothes that don�t fit well without being insulting. Many of the tricks parents can use to convince teens to dress appropriately include adding fashionable layers and accessories.

� Image by Gabriella Fabbri, www.sxc.hu/

Ideal Business Casual Found in Polo Shirts

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 05:46:15 +0100

When you work in a business, some events will take place outside the office. Sponsored events meant to attract new customers or social events that include clients are great times to relax and visit with others. But just because you�re at an off-site party eating informal foods doesn�t mean you can dress in a questionable fashion. Yes, it�s summer and the living is easy, but there are still dress rules you need to follow in order to maintain proper decorum. Hey! You don�t want to offend the very people you are trying to do business with, do you?

So what is the right dress for parties outside the office. According to Barbara Pachter who is an etiquette expert on professional manners and attire, you can choose nice looking clothes like casual trousers and polo shirts or capri pants and a nice printed t-shirt. You don�t want to wear heavy clothes of course, but you also don�t want to wear clothes so lightweight you can see through them.

In other words, don�t wear clothes that show parts of your body better left covered like cleavage or that reveal so much there is little left to the imagination. If you wear a shirt that is too see-through then you need to also wear a t-shirt. Wear good underwear too that fits nicely so you don�t accidentally flash anyone while playing an outdoor game.

Other advice the etiquette expert gives is to not reveal too much skin. That includes plunging necklines or plunging backs according to Lizandra Vega who is a career coach. At the beach or pool, don�t wear tight revealing bathing suits. Your coworkers really prefer not to see your body nearly nude. It makes the next office meetings too uncomfortable.

Bottom line, or should we say top line, is that polo shirts and plain t-shirts at the casual outdoor business party will never offend anyone! They both make ideal relaxed clothing you can simply have some fun in without worry.

� Image by Andy Naylor, www.sxc.hu/

Tees Will Always Be Classic

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:23:23 +0100

Fashion trends come and go in cycles. The clothes you wore in the sixties are probably very similar to what is showing up in stores today. However, there are basic looks from each era that define a generation. When looking back these fashions are much more than clothes. They describe the culture and people of an era. What will the fashion future see when they look back on the current generation?

The contemporary generations have created some of the most exciting fashions to be seen in many decades. Clothes have become unisex and cover less than ever before. And, new textures and processes allow for a variety of soft and comfortable fabrics.

The number one look for the generations of the current era is the �boyfriend� look. To achieve this look women have stolen t-shirts and blazers from the men�s departments in stores. A basic white cotton tee shirt is the fundamental piece around which the entire look revolves. With the tee shirt and blazer a fashionable woman adds oversized jeans or khakis, usually rolled at the hem, and oxfords to complete the look.

What does this tell you about the decade and this generation? Comfort is essential. This generation does not want complicated fashion and wants to keep their choices as natural as possible. There is nothing more comfortable than a large white cotton tee shirt and loose fitting jeans. A well worn blazer adds a scholarly element. To keep it fashionable designers add silver, lots and lots of silver. Bangles can be worn from the wrist to the elbow with this look and necklaces can be roped around the neck with abandon. No belts say fashion experts; they will interrupt the classic comfortable lines of the look and make it appear more formal.

The boyfriend look is perfect combination of masculine and feminine that defines this generation. Equality, relationships, and a focus on fun are what the people of this era represent and this can be seen in the their classic fashion from the future.

�Image by (Name Hidden),www.sxc.hu/

Polo Shirts Should Only Be the Real Thing

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:09:45 +0100

Polo shirts, t-shirts, purses, boots, jeans and more are all the types of items that are being counterfeited. If you think counterfeiting only applies to money, you don�t understand the size of the knock-off market. Knock-offs are cheap imitation of the real items that are sold as originals. Sometimes the copies are so good you cannot tell they are fakes. This is big business too costing legitimate businesses billions in lost revenue around the world. There have even been cases where counterfeit products have put legitimate brands out of business with price undercutting.

Many people have no idea they are buying counterfeit goods. That�s just one reason why it�s so important to buy everything, including polo shirts and t-shirts, from a reliable vendor that knows where the clothing was made and verifies authenticity of the branding.

The vast majority of counterfeit clothing comes from China. The market for cheaper knock-offs continues to grow because the recession has left many families struggling to make ends meet. But now a new trend is emerging. At one time it was only expensive brands that were copied, but now the counterfeiters are copying lesser known brands. For example, there are copies of Ed Hardy sweatshirts showing up. The reason for this new counterfeit strategy is simple � it keeps the counterfeiter under the radar. Lesser known brands are less likely to aggressively pursue counterfeiters. To trick buyers, the counterfeits are even being priced closer to the prices of the authentic products.

Companies producing name brand fashions and accessories can afford legal teams that monitor the marketplace for fakes. Gucci and Vuitton have lawyers who go after counterfeiters full-time. Less well-known brands don�t have that luxury. The lessons for consumers are to be careful what you buy and to buy from a reliable vendor only so you know your tees are for real. There�s another lesson too. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is a fake.

�Image by Adrian Gtz, www.sxc.hu/

Why Not Promote With High Quality Clothing?

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:48:35 +0100

It is more important than ever to promote your business in today�s competitive economy. No longer can you depend on television and print media to do the job for you. Many businesses are finding success with the internet; however, there is one marketing tool that can put you over the top. Promotional clothing giveaways are one of the best ways to gain customers.

How can you find the right promotional items to giveaway? Let�s admit it � the majority of promotional items that are used as giveaways to draw in potential customers end up being thrown away. How many times have you walked out of a store with a pen only to toss it out when you discovered it did not work? Did you really keep that cheap drink holder you got as a free gift for opening an account at your local bank?

The key to finding the perfect promotional giveaway item is quality. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other high quality clothing items with your company logo or slogan are all-time winners say promotional marketing experts.

Existing customers and potential customers love to receive t-shirts and they will wear them if they have perceived value. Therefore, if you spend a little money and invest in a good quality t-shirt you will see a big return � your customers will offer you free advertising every time they wear your t-shirts in public You can ensure that the t-shirts get even more visibility when you give them to your employees to wear. Promotional clothing such as t-shirts, polo shirts, and fleece with your company logo makes excellent corporate wear and gives your workplace a professional image. Start your new marketing campaign today with high quality promotional wear such as logo t-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts, and fleece. Both your employees and your customers will enjoy it! !

� Image by Andy Naylor, www.sxc.hu/